I went to ANC in August '08, right before I finished my position at NW. Getting there and back was a little tricky, but ultimately I got on the first flight I tried to get there and the second to last seat on the last flight of the day (after getting blocked for a couple earlier flights). Really neat city to walk around, definitely enjoyed it. I was only there for a few hours (arrived in MSP about the same time I left, plus one day) but it was still a cool city to walk around.